With the rest of the NFL moving towards a more pass-friendly league, Seattle relies on their running game to be successful, and Lynch is the catalyst of their offense.

Last season, the Hawks ran the ball 44 percent of the time, with Lynch receiving about 65 percent of those carries. In the grand scheme of the offense, Lynch was responsible for 31 percent of their plays.

Obviously, he plays a crucial role in what Seattle was trying to accomplish, and his usage rate could improve in 2012.

Furthermore, Lynch may play a bigger role next year, as he settles into the Hawks offense. Next season will only be his second full season in the Emerald City.

With the Seahawks unsure of who will be under center in 2012, Lynch provides an insurance plan for the team, as he will surely alleviate the burden of carrying the load offensively.

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Regardless of who is starting at quarterback next year, Lynch can be counted on for about 20 touches per game.

After he ranked seventh in the NFL in rushing last season, Lynch should be a top-5 back in 2012. He’ll be more comfortable, and with more help along the offensive line, Lynch could see his solid 2011 numbers continue to improve.

He is an old-school back that makes his money between the tackles, and Seattle will rely on a power running game to be successful next season.